Laundromats across Australia are phasing out coin-operated machines in favour of digital alternatives, and the shift isn’t just about convenience — it’s about efficiency, security, and customer expectations. Coins once symbolised the simplicity of self-service laundry, but today they’re a friction point in a cashless economy where tapping a card or phone is the norm.

Why are laundromats moving away from coins?

The quick answer: laundromats are abandoning coins because they’re harder to manage, less secure, and increasingly out of step with how Australians prefer to pay. Operators are replacing them with cashless payment systems that cut down on hassles for both customers and business owners.

What’s driving the shift away from coins?

Changing customer behaviour
Australians use less cash than ever, with contactless payments dominating everyday purchases. Customers now expect to tap a card or mobile wallet instead of hunting for loose change.

Operational efficiency
Collecting, counting, and banking coins is time-consuming. Machines jam, coin slots wear out, and staff are forced into repetitive manual tasks. A digital system eliminates these inefficiencies.

Security concerns
Coins make laundromats a target for theft. Moving to digital payments reduces the risk of break-ins and vandalism.

Cost of maintenance
Repairing coin mechanisms and replenishing change supplies adds up. Digital systems, once installed, require less upkeep.

How do cashless laundromat systems work?

Modern laundromats use app-based platforms, card readers, or QR-code systems. Customers can start machines using debit/credit cards, digital wallets, or even prepaid laundry cards. Some systems let users track machine availability and receive cycle-complete alerts — turning laundry into a smoother, less stressful chore.

What do customers gain from this change?

• Convenience: No more carrying coins or making a last-minute dash to the servo for change.

• Speed: Tap-and-go is faster than fumbling with $2 pieces.

• Transparency: Apps can show exact costs, loyalty rewards, and receipts.

For anyone who’s ever stood with a basket of wet clothes and realised they were $1 short, the appeal is obvious.

What’s the business case for laundromat owners?

• Higher throughput: Quicker transactions mean faster machine turnover.

• Reduced labour costs: Less time spent collecting coins and repairing machines.

• Happier customers: A smoother experience builds repeat business.

• Data insights: Some systems provide usage analytics, helping owners optimise pricing and promotions.

This ties into behavioural economics too. With tap-to-pay, customers are less anchored to physical coins and more likely to spend on extra washes or premium cycles.

Are there downsides to going cashless?

Yes, but they’re shrinking. Some older customers still prefer coins, and installing digital systems requires upfront investment. However, the long-term savings and customer demand for flexibility often outweigh these barriers.

External perspective

A recent report from the Reserve Bank of Australia highlights the sharp decline in cash usage nationwide — laundromats are simply aligning with broader economic trends.

FAQ

Do any laundromats still accept coins?
Yes, but the number is declining fast as owners replace old machines with digital-enabled ones.

Is cashless payment more expensive for customers?
Typically no — transaction fees are absorbed by laundromat operators, though some may add a small surcharge.

What if a customer doesn’t have a card or phone?
Some laundromats still keep hybrid systems, offering both coin and card options during the transition.

The move away from coins is less about nostalgia and more about pragmatism. In an economy that’s rapidly going digital, laundromats can’t afford to cling to clunky systems of the past. For operators, the shift unlocks efficiency and security; for customers, it’s about ease and reliability. It’s a change that reflects a broader cultural truth: cash is no longer king, even in the most coin-associated industries.

And for those exploring the full landscape of modern laundry operations, the rise of the cashless laundromat payment system shows where the industry is heading next.